Fourier analysis of the light curves of eclipsing variable stars

1977 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. J. Livaniou
2021 ◽  
Vol 502 (1) ◽  
pp. 1299-1311
Author(s):  
Heidi B Thiemann ◽  
Andrew J Norton ◽  
Hugh J Dickinson ◽  
Adam McMaster ◽  
Ulrich C Kolb

ABSTRACT We present the first analysis of results from the SuperWASP variable stars Zooniverse project, which is aiming to classify 1.6 million phase-folded light curves of candidate stellar variables observed by the SuperWASP all sky survey with periods detected in the SuperWASP periodicity catalogue. The resultant data set currently contains >1 million classifications corresponding to >500 000 object–period combinations, provided by citizen–scientist volunteers. Volunteer-classified light curves have ∼89 per cent accuracy for detached and semidetached eclipsing binaries, but only ∼9 per cent accuracy for rotationally modulated variables, based on known objects. We demonstrate that this Zooniverse project will be valuable for both population studies of individual variable types and the identification of stellar variables for follow-up. We present preliminary findings on various unique and extreme variables in this analysis, including long-period contact binaries and binaries near the short-period cut-off, and we identify 301 previously unknown binaries and pulsators. We are now in the process of developing a web portal to enable other researchers to access the outputs of the SuperWASP variable stars project.


2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (S325) ◽  
pp. 259-262
Author(s):  
Susana Eyheramendy ◽  
Felipe Elorrieta ◽  
Wilfredo Palma

AbstractThis paper discusses an autoregressive model for the analysis of irregularly observed time series. The properties of this model are studied and a maximum likelihood estimation procedure is proposed. The finite sample performance of this estimator is assessed by Monte Carlo simulations, showing accurate estimators. We implement this model to the residuals after fitting an harmonic model to light-curves from periodic variable stars from the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE) and Hipparcos surveys, showing that the model can identify time dependency structure that remains in the residuals when, for example, the period of the light-curves was not properly estimated.


2018 ◽  
Vol 617 ◽  
pp. A32 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Burggraaff ◽  
G. J. J. Talens ◽  
J. Spronck ◽  
A.-L. Lesage ◽  
R. Stuik ◽  
...  

Context. The Multi-site All-Sky CAmeRA (MASCARA) aims to find the brightest transiting planet systems by monitoring the full sky at magnitudes 4 < V < 8.4, taking data every 6.4 s. The northern station has been operational on La Palma since February 2015. These data can also be used for other scientific purposes, such as the study of variable stars. Aims. In this paper we aim to assess the value of MASCARA data for studying variable stars by determining to what extent known variable stars can be recovered and characterised, and how well new, unknown variables can be discovered. Methods. We used the first 14 months of MASCARA data, consisting of the light curves of 53 401 stars with up to one million flux points per object. All stars were cross-matched with the VSX catalogue to identify known variables. The MASCARA light curves were searched for periodic flux variability using generalised Lomb–Scargle periodograms. If significant variability of a known variable was detected, the found period and amplitude were compared with those listed in the VSX database. If no previous record of variability was found, the data were phase folded to attempt a classification. Results. Of the 1919 known variable stars in the MASCARA sample with periods 0.1 < P < 10 days, amplitudes >2%, and that have more than 80 h of data, 93.5% are recovered. In addition, the periods of 210 stars without a previous VSX record were determined, and 282 candidate variable stars were newly identified. We also investigated whether second order variability effects could be identified. The O’Connell effect is seen in seven eclipsing binaries, of which two have no previous record of this effect. Conclusions. MASCARA data are very well suited to study known variable stars. They also serve as a powerful means to find new variables among the brightest stars in the sky. Follow-up is required to ensure that the observed variability does not originate from faint background objects.


1993 ◽  
Vol 134 ◽  
pp. 157-158
Author(s):  
J. O. Petersen

The application of Fourier decomposition parameters has revolutionized important areas of investigations of Cepheid type variables since the introduction of Fourier analysis in its modern form by Simon and Lee (1981).In the literature several different representations of the results of Fourier analysis have been utilized. In view of the growing interest for applications of Fourier decomposition it is important to use and publish Fourier data in an optimal way. Most studies until now have used amplitude ratios and phase differences derived from traditional light curves giving the light variation in magnitudes, following the original recipe of Simon and Lee (1981). However, Stellingwerf and Donohoe (1986) advocated the use of phases rather than phase differences. Recently, Buchler et al. (1990) argued that the standard Simon & Lee form contains all relevant physics, and suggested analysis of flux-values rather than of magnitudes, because this removes the distorting effects of constant, false light. Thus there are many choices to be made in practical applications of Fourier analysis, and there is at present no convincing argument for preferring one specific representation.


1984 ◽  
Vol 80 ◽  
pp. 387-392
Author(s):  
H. J. Schober

AbstractSince about ten years coordinated programs of photoelectric observations of asteroids are carried out to derive rotation rates and light curves. Quite a number of those asteroids exhibit features in their light curves, with similar characteristics as variable stars and especially eclipsing binaries. This would allow also an interpretation that there might be an evidence for the binary nature of some asteroids, based on observational hints. A few examples are given and a list of indications for the possible binary nature of asteroids, based on their light curve features, is presented.


2019 ◽  
Vol 487 (2) ◽  
pp. 1765-1776 ◽  
Author(s):  
Somnath Dutta ◽  
Soumen Mondal ◽  
Santosh Joshi ◽  
Ramkrishna Das

ABSTRACT We present optical I-band light curves of the stars towards a star-forming region Cygnus OB7 from 17-night photometric observations. The light curves are generated from a total of 381 image frames with very good photometric precision. From the light curves of 1900 stars and their periodogram analyses, we detect 31 candidate variables including five previously identified. 14 out of 31 objects are periodic and exhibit the rotation rates in the range of 0.15–11.60 d. We characterize those candidate variables using optical/infrared colour–colour diagram and colour–magnitude diagram (CMD). From spectral indices of the candidate variables, it turns out that four are probably Classical T-Tauri stars (CTTSs), rest remain unclassified from present data, they are possibly field stars or discless pre-main-sequence stars towards the region. Based on their location on the various CMDs, the ages of two T Tauri Stars were estimated to be ∼5 Myr. The light curves indicate at least five of the periodic variables are eclipsing systems. The spatial distribution of young variable candidates on Planck 857 GHz (350 $\mu$m) and 2MASS (Two Micron All Sky Survey) Ks images suggest that at least two of the CTTSs are part of the active star-forming cloud Lynds 1003.


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